Buzz and fuss over Blackburn’s new STEM center

Buzz and fuss over Blackburn’s new STEM center 

By Quynh and Nicole

The new STEM Center is coming around 2023, what are our students’ and teachers’ thoughts? 

This Wednesday, we interviewed a teacher and a student at Blackburn High School about their thoughts and opinions on the soon to be Science, Technology,  Engineering and Mathematics Center of the school.

As part of the Andrew’s Governments 1.1 billion dollar building initiative for schools, Blackburn High School community has fortunately received $9 million for the building of this STEM center; which consists of 14 high calibre science and technology classrooms to inspire both teachers and students at Blackburn. The building is currently under construction after the demolition of the old Freeman building and is expected to be completed in 2023. 

           Construction of upcoming STEM Center of Excellence 

Mr. A, an English teacher stated, “I think it’s an exciting opportunity to show the school’s new development and technologies; also to promote alternative study pathways for our students.”

As a previous VCAL teacher, he also expressed his wish for the school to introduce VCAL programs to allow students to explore more hand-on learnings, 

“I’d love to use the STEM center as VCAL teaching rooms and resources, hopefully.”

When asked if the construction has disrupted his teaching in anyways, Mr. A revealed, 

“No, I never noticed because I’m actually quite loud. The only impact it has on me is going to the car park, that can be a bit more difficult with the construction going on.” 

 Construction workers preparing construction site during class time  

Contrarily, Florence Tsan- a year 10 student of Blackburn High School told us a different perspective on the STEM building’s construction, 

“My teacher can’t talk over construction, especially in French. When I’m in the new Dunlop building or the portables around the construction, I can’t focus since it’s so loud.” 

Nonetheless, our student is looking forward to the finished building, “it would give us an opportunity to learn more and have a new space,” she explained. 

  

“I like science, so I’m excited for a new building that is targeted toward STEM subjects. Those who like science (STEM) will like it as well.”